By The Sword Divided - Complete Series 1&2 Boxed Set [DVD]

Item arrived in good time. I haven't yet had a chance to watch. I was surprised that I could not play it on my equipment. I have downloaded a software that enables me to play another order from England on my computer in the basement, but will have to buy a special player to play it on the main floor with others. I don't think it was fair to sell something to USA without warning that it is recorded in Region 2 format.

This box set comprises both series of this 1983-85 smash hit BBC fictional historical drama series following the fortunes of two families: the landowning, aristocratic and pious Lacey' and the wealthy, mercantile, puritanical Fletcher', set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. Starting in May 1640 the first episode introduces the main characters whilst the second introduces the basic background to the conflict.The first series follows the family as it is torn apart by the conflict and their changing loyalties up to the defeat of the Royalist forces at the end of the First English Civil War. Series two covers the second and third civil wars and the eventual Restoration of the Monarchy. Episodes are basically stand alone with the ongoing wars and family relationships providing threads of continuity.The wording is modern English but the style has an olde worlde edge to it, although the filming style tends to come across as stage theatre. The period flavour is enhanced by the rich harpsichord music and whilst the costumes are lavish, the settings are subdued and rough edged rather than the overly romantic pristine interiors popular with producers. The outer case holds two box sets, one for each series, both holding 2 cases with 2 discs each. Both series contain 10 episodes. Picture quality is good, but of the day, with the occaisional scene being a little fuzzy, but not enough to spoil the viewing while the sound is fine.Anyone interested in period drama or wants to know the history of this period should watch this for whilst it centres on fictional characters, the backdrop is very real and the period flavour is unbeatable. Above all it's a drama about loyalty, friendship and betrayal yet features relatively little actual fighting. A definite ***** view.

I heard about this drama when I studied a year in England, in between the broadcasts of the two series. It has rarely been shown over here in the States, and I was delighted to find a quality copy without having to pay an exorbitant price or try to find copies of the episodes on YouTube. Well done!

I bought this because I visited Rockingham castle and wanted to see again this series I remember as a child. It lived up to my expectations. Wonderful shots of Rockingham and a good insight into the turbulent times it portrayed. It was a little cheesy in places but this is because of the time it was filmed in when we expected a different set of values and morals from our tv. If you are wondering whether you would enjoy this and have fond memories of it then do buy it. I watched the whole lot back to back over a few days and like a good book I couldn't stop.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a wonderful period drama about the Civil Wars made more than thirty years ago by the incomparable BBC. The costumes are gorgeous and worth an exhibition of their own and the settings, interior and exterior, perfectly chosen. I was a bit thrown by the change of actor playing Edward between Series 1 and 2 and some of the situations (particularly in Series 2) seemed contrived but overall it this box set has been well worth the expense. I'll be watching it many times!

I was looking around for this dvd box set for ages and as I wanted a new one it was hard to find as it as now been discontinued in the shops. I was very please withthe set and the deliver of the item. The seller kept in touch from start to delivery and checked that some one would be in so that the dvd could be delivered the next day.An excellent service and would use the seller again.

A well produced series,the costumes,acting and settings were for me even better than I remembered.This box set has not dated as some do.Highly recommended.

great loved this on tv